Interchangeable Head for Jewelry

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides one or more head sections having a setting that are releasably engaged with one or more bases.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/382169, filed on Apr. 11, 2019, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present description relates to a mechanism adapted for the engagement and disengagement of parts of jewelry with different possible alternatives. For example, the part may be a head of a ring, earring, cluster, composite, pendant center stone, necklace center part or any other part of jewelry. The main function of the mechanism is to engage and disengage the different parts of jewelry with each other. The advantages of the mechanism is that is able to achieve various looks by changing a different alternative parts of jewelry with each other.

BACKGROUND

Jewelry has been researched and developed in the industry for decades. Precious stones such as diamonds display a desirable beauty because of the color, cut, and shape of a particular stone. Generally, diamonds are used in jewelry in shapes such as round, princess, pear, cushion, trillion, oval, heart, and marquise cuts. Also, stones may vary in cut, color and clarity. Different diamonds are often set into various settings such as in rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, bangles etc. Especially in rings, the stone or diamond are set as a center stone, which enhances the beauty and appeal of the ring.

A center stone is the basic selection criterion and what makes it desirable often depends on the choice of an individual. Another selection criteria is the shape of stone since each shape has a unique specialty and look within it.

A shape of a stone often evokes a unique emotion in an individual thus making each stone unique. Also, the shape of stone plays a vital role. Each shape may be set within a different basket and with a different setting technique.

Generally some small pointers or small stones are set around the center stone. These stones create the illusion that the center stone is larger than it actually is and generally enhance the appearance of the center stone. Thus, there are a wide variety of stone settings that an individual user may desire to wear.

Current settings place a center stone in a basket called a head. The head has a peg (male) section and a shank has a matching hole (female). Thus, in a typical assembly, the parts of the head are separately manufactured and assembled by soldering or permanent fitting method which does not allow the head to move or change its position.

There is no provision for a user to take the head out of the shank without obtaining technical help to avoid damaging the ring or jewelry piece. Accordingly, because a base or setting is needed for each center stone, to experience the beauty of different stones, it is necessary to wear separate rings which may be expensive to do.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the disadvantages of the prior art. An objective of the invention is to provide a jewelry piece such as a necklace, ring, bracelet or broach that has an interchangeable stone setting.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a jewelry item wherein the user may change a center stone such as found in a ring head without the need for technical help.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a jewelry item having a mechanism that permits a setting to be interchangeable with other stone settings. Also, the present invention permits a setting to be interchangeable with different bases or configurations such as a ring, bracelet, necklace or broach.

In other embodiments, the present invention has a single shank with a female portion at the top of the piece, which may be a ring, which can accommodate a male part. Also included is a female part which has a push or pull button so that after activation of the button, an opening is created which then may be moved to lock the male part in place.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a jewelry device comprising a head section, a base and at least one actuator. The head section includes an elongated section. The elongated section includes a section having a predefined shape. Also included is a base that has an opening sized to receive the elongated section including the predefined shape. The at least one actuator has a locking section sized to fit within the predefined shape. The actuator is positionable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the locking section of the at least one actuator engages the predefined shape and cannot be removed from the base. In the disengaged position, the locking section of the at least one actuator is disengaged from the predefined shape and the head is removable from the base.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a locking section that has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the predefined shape.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a locking section that has external threads and the predefined shape has internal threads, and in the engaged position, the external threads are engaged with the internal threads.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes at least one spring located in the base, the spring engages the actuator and urges the actuator into the engaged position.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a plurality of springs located in the base, the springs engage the actuator and urges the actuator into the engaged position.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes an elongated section that includes a guide, the guide engages a complementary section of the opening to only permit the elongated section to be inserted into the opening in a single orientation.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a head section, a base having an upper surface and lower surface and at least one actuator. The head section includes an elongated section. The elongated section includes two extensions defining a predefined shape. A base is included having an opening sized to receive the predefined shape and the opening defines a channel in the base between the top surface and the lower surface, the channel is complementary in shape to the predefined shape. The head is positionable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the predefined shape is misaligned with the channel and located against the lower surface and cannot be removed from the base through the channel. In the disengaged position, the predefined shape is aligned with the channel and the head is removable from the base through the channel.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes extensions that form a T-shape on the elongated section.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a spring located in the base, the spring urges the predefined shape against the lower surface when in the engaged position.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a head that rotatable in the base.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a jewelry kit comprising a plurality of head sections that are interchangeable with one or more base sections.

Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures accompanying the specification wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an interchangeable head that may be used with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows partial exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a shank or base that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a locking mechanism that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a locking mechanism that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows components of a jacket that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of components that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows the assembly of components that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 shows the incorporation of a locking mechanism that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 shows an assembly step for the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the assembled embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 illustrates the position of the springs and button after the button is pressed for the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a top view without a peg for the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show how the male part is engaged with the female part for the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic diagram of an interchangeable head ring for a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows the configuration of a peg having an I-shape for the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows a shank that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 shows a first movable button that includes dogs or posts that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 shows a movable button that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 provides an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 22 shows an assembly step for the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 23 shows another assembly step for embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 24 shows yet another assembly step for the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 25 depicts a fourth step of assembly for the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 26 shows how the device appears after assembly for the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 27 shows the position of springs, when a button is pushed in the direction of the arrows for the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 28 is a top view of the ring without a peg when a button is pressed to form a clearance for the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 29 shows the device while in a disengaged condition by depressing and rotating the movable button for the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 30 shows how the device is locked in place by the tension created by the springs for the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 31 shows a schematic diagram of an interchangeable head ring for a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 depicts a shank for the embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 shows how a locking section of an actuator may be in the shape of an ‘I’ section for the embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 shows a spring that may be used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 35 shows a jacket for the embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 36 shows a first assembly step for the embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 37 shows a second assembly step for the embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 38 shows a third step of assembly for the embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 39 shows how the embodiment appears after assembly from the top for the embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 40 shows how the spring holds the head of the ring for the embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 41 shows how the head and spring interact while being disengaged for the embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 42 is a top view showing how disengagement is accomplished by creating a clearance for the embodiment shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of an interchangeable head ring for a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 44 shows some of the components used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 shows a screw button used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 46 shows a jacket used with the embodiment shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 47 shows how the components of the embodiment shown in FIG. 43 prevent the screw from inadvertently being screwed out of the ring.

FIG. 48 shows a first step of assembly of the embodiment shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 49 shows a second step of assembly of the embodiment shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 50 how a screw button is inserted into a peg section for the embodiment shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 51 shows the assembled mechanism from the top for the embodiment shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 52 shows how a pin is inserted after the screw is placed into the assembly for the embodiment shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 53 shows how backing the screw button out allows for the removal of the head for the embodiment shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 54 shows a schematic diagram of an interchangeable head ring for a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 55 shows some components that may be used for the embodiment shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 shows a male section that may be used for the embodiment shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 57 shows a movable or sliding button that may be used for the embodiment shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 58 shows a jacket that may be used for the embodiment shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 59 shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 60 is a partially assembled view for the embodiment shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 61 shows a collect that maybe used for another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 62 shows a male section that maybe used for the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 shows how once the prongs pass into the opening, they compress a spring that prevents disengagement for the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodiments set forth herein; example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

In general, terminology may be understood at least in part from usage in context. For example, terms, such as “and”, “or”, or “and/or,” as used herein may include a variety of meanings that may depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to describe combinations of features, structures or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms, such as “a,” “an,” or “the,” again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term “based on” may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for the existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context.

Description of Embodiment One

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an interchangeable head that may be used with jewelry item 100 such as a ring for one embodiment of the present invention. While a ring is described herein, the teachings of the various embodiments may be used with other jewelry items such as necklaces, bracelets, brooches and other jewelry items known to those of skill in the art.

As shown, included are head 102, shank 101 and push button 103. While a diamond center stone held in a four prong setting is shown, other settings may be used with the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a head portion 201, shank portion 202, and elongated section, member or projection 203A having a predefined shape 203B which may be in the form of a catch, notch and other shapes adapted to engage a matching or complementary shape as will be discussed below. In addition, the distal end of elongated section 203A matches the configuration of female part 204 to allow for insertion of the predefined shape 203B.

FIG. 3 shows a shank or base 301 that may be used with an embodiment of the present invention for a ring having an opening 302 which matches the shape of the corresponding male section described above. Also included is button 303 which is not movable and is configured to mirror a corresponding movable part or actuator which may be a button in a preferred embodiment which is described below.

Base 301 may also include a plurality of posts or rigid dogs 304A and 304B which are configured to hold one or more springs (discussed below). Also provided is opening 305 which may be configured to provide a round entrance for a movable locking mechanism.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show locking mechanism or actuator 400 that includes button portion 401 which may include a diamond in a bezel setting. The inclusion of a diamond or other stone provides an indicator as to which button may be used to activate the device. Also included are posts 402A and 402B which push the springs towards the fixed posts or dogs. Actuator 400 has a locking section 405 formed by creating an opening in the actuator. The locking section is sized to fit within the predefined shape. As will be discussed in further detail below, this allows for the actuator to be positionable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the locking section engages the predefined shape preventing the head from being removed from the base. In a disengaged position, the locking section of the actuator is disengaged from the predefined shape and the head is removable from the base.

FIG. 6 shows the various components of jacket 600 which functions in part to cover locking mechanism 400 and other working components. Jacket 600 includes body 601 and projection 602 which are configured to engage and fit with shank 301. Also provided is opening 603 which matches the male part.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the various components of the embodiment. FIG. 7 shows shank or base 701, springs 702, locking mechanism 703 and jacket 704.

FIG. 8 illustrates how the device is assembled before receiving the locking mechanism. As shown, springs 803A and 803B are assembled within shank 801 by engaging posts 802A and 802B. As is also shown, shank 801 includes cavity 805 which receives the components.

FIG. 9 shows the incorporation of locking mechanism 901. As shown, locking mechanism 901 is inserted from the side and includes posts or dogs 903A and 903B. The posts are designed to move with the locking mechanism to compress spring springs 904A and 904B. While opening 902 of mechanism 901 matches opening 808 of shank 801 (See FIG. 8), when the springs are not compressed the opening is not aligned creating an overlap surface 910.

FIG. 10 shows a final assembly step that includes placing jacket 1001 from the bottom. The bottom surface of jacket 1001 covers the locking mechanism and springs. Also included is opening 1002 as well as section 1003 which is attached near to rigid button and section 1004 which is attached near movable hole.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the assembled embodiment. As shown, rigid button 1101 and movable actuator 1102 which in a preferred embodiment is a button are in a resting position. The arrow indicates the direction of movement of movable button 1102. And 1103 shows how female section appears when it is in an engaged position.

When the button is depressed, the device is configured for the removal or insertion of a head. When the button is not pushed, the apparatus is in a resting position and the head is engaged and urged or maintained in an engaged position by the force of the springs.

FIG. 12 illustrates the position of the springs 1202 and button after the button is pressed. When the button is pushed in the direction of the arrow, the movable locking mechanism slides which compresses the springs and the peg or catch of the head has clearance 1201 to easily move in an upward direction.

FIG. 13 is top view without a peg when the button is pressed. As shown, a clearance 1301 is created to permit the head to disengage with the shank. In other words, the male part is able to disengage from the female part.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show how the male part is engaged with the female part. As shown, male part 1400 has a surface 1402 which forms a catch that engages the bottom surface of locking mechanism 1510 which prevents the upward movement or disengagement of the male and female parts when the button is not depressed. Upon depressing the button, the locking mechanism slides and creates the necessary clearance. Guide 1410 fits within recess 1412 which is part of opening 1414. This combination properly positions the male part in the female part.

Description of Embodiment Two

FIG. 16 shows a schematic diagram of an interchangeable head ring for another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 shows shank 2202, head 2201 section with peg or male section 2203 and female section or opening 2204. Opening 2204 is sized to accommodate male section 2203.

FIG. 17 shows that male section 2203 has a shape 2301 which resembles an ‘I’ in configuration. This shape creates notches 2303A and 2303B. The design allows the stone to be fitted from both sides. It also allows for the use of a push button on both sides of the shank.

FIG. 18 provides additional details about the embodiment. FIG. 18 illustrates shank 2401, female section or opening 2402 which is configured to accommodate the I-shape of the male section. Curved surfaces 2403A and 2403B define openings to receive opposingly located buttons.

FIG. 19 shows a first movable button 2501 that includes dogs or posts 2502A and 2502B. L-shaped section 2503 includes legs 2508 and 2510 which are sized to be engaged by notches 2303A and 2303B. Push button 2501 may include a bezel set diamond which indicates it is the button to be engaged by a user.

FIG. 20 shows a movable button 2601 which is a mirror image of button 2501. Button 2601 includes dogs or posts 2602A and 2602B. L-shaped section 2603 is comprised of legs 2608 and 2610. Legs 2608 and 2610 are sized to engage notches 2303A and 2303B.

FIG. 21 provides an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-20. The embodiment includes a shank 2901 having a female section, springs 2904A and 2904B which are fitted from the bottom as arrow 2904C indicates. Movable button 2902 is fitted in the direction of arrow 2902B and movable button 2903 is fitted in the direction as shown by arrow 2903B. Jacket 2905 is also provided to hide the mechanism.

FIG. 22 shows the first step of assembly, as a first step movable button 1072 will be fitted into shank 1071 as shown. Dogs or posts 1073 are movable with button 1072.

FIG. 23 shows the second step of assembly which shows how button 1172 is fitted opposite to button 1103. As discussed earlier, buttons 1172 and 1173 may be fitted into ring 1171. L-shaped sections 1174 and 1175 are arranged to oppose each other creating opening 1110 which will lock the male part.

FIG. 24 shows a third step of assembly which includes the placing of springs 1283A and 1283B on the corresponding dogs or posts. The arrangement will not affect the opening in female section 1284 as shown.

FIG. 25 depicts a fourth step of assembly which includes the placing of the jacket from the bottom. Jacket 1381 has a main body which covers the maximum area of the mechanism. Also shown is opening 1382 in which the peg will be inserted. Sections 1383 and 1384 are attached near the movable buttons.

FIG. 26 shows how the mechanism appears after assembly from the top. Movable button 1482 and movable button 1481 move in the direction of arrows 1485 and 1487, respectively. As also shown, opening 1483 is partially blocked by sections 1480 and 1481 of the buttons which create an overlap with the opening when in an engaged position. This prevents the male portion from disengagement.

FIG. 27 shows the position of springs, when a button is pushed in the direction of arrows 1580A and 1580B. Movable buttons 1503 and 1584 slide inside which compress springs 1582A and 1582B thereby providing clearance 1581 that allows the peg to easily move in an upward direction.

FIG. 28 is a top view of the ring without a peg when a button is pressed to form clearance 1681. The clearance created by moving the L-shaped sections away from one another to remove the overlap that engages the shank which allows the male portion to disengage with the shank.

FIG. 29 shows how the device looks while in a disengaged condition by depressing the movable button. FIG. 30 shows an engaged position and head 2221 locked in place by the tension created by the springs which causes legs 2224 and 2226 to engage the notches created by the I-shape of elongated section 2220.

Description of Embodiment Three

FIG. 31 shows a schematic diagram of interchangeable head ring for another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment includes head 3201 and shank 3202. Head 3201 includes peg or male section 3203 having notches at the distal end. Also include is opening or female section 3204.

FIG. 32 depicts shank 3301 or base having opening or female section 3302 that is sized to receive a male section or peg. Sections 3303 and 3304 are spaced apart to receive a jacket.

FIG. 33 shows the shape of peg 3401 which forms an ‘I’ section 3401A that allows it to be fitted from both sides for ease of use. The peg is engaged by pressing and pulling the ring head as described below. This will cause the head to be engaged and disengaged.

FIG. 34 shows spring 3501 which is tensioned to restrict the clearance for the peg to keep the head in an engaged position. Spring 3501 may be a flat spring having tongs 3502 and 3504 as shown. The tongs are configured to engage the notches created by the I-shape of the peg section when in an engaged position.

FIG. 35 shows a jacket 3601 that may be a rigid casted part which hides the mechanism and also supports the spring from the bottom. Jacket 3601 also includes section 3602 and 3604 that match a corresponding section on the device. Opening 3603 is sized to accommodate the peg end. When the peg is engaged with hole or opening 3603, the ends match to provide the appearance of a single surface.

FIG. 36 shows a shank 3701A having female section 3701B. Spring 3702 is fitted from the top as arrow 3705 indicates. Jacket 3703 is configured to hide the mechanism which is also fitted in the direction of the arrow.

FIG. 37 shows a first step of assembly which includes placing spring 3802 into opening 3801. Opening 3801 is adapted to restrict the space in which the spring moves to allow for ease of use.

FIG. 38 shows a second step of assembly which includes placing jacket 3901 from the top. Jacket 3901 is sized to cover the mechanism. Also shown is opening 3902 in which the peg will be inserted. Sections 3903 and 3904 are adapted to seat on a corresponding ring part.

FIG. 39 shows how the embodiment appears after assembly from the top. Opening 3910 shows how the female section looks when it is in an engaged position. As shown, portions of the spring partially block opening 3910 by creating overlapping section 3912 and 3914. The overlapping section engages the notches created by the I-shape. Thus, when a user pulls the head, this action results in the ring being disassembled.

FIG. 40 shows how the spring holds the head of the ring. Tongs 3920A and 3920B engage the notches of the I-shape section 3922.

FIG. 41 shows how the head and spring interact while being disengaged. The tongs move in an outward direction so that peg 3932 may easily be removed from the spring and disengaged.

FIG. 42 is a top view of the ring when the tongs are in an outward direction so that the female section may be disengaged. Disengagement is allowed by the release of the locking tongs and creation of clearance 3941.

Description of Embodiment Four

FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of an interchangeable head ring for another embodiment of the present invention. It includes head 4201 having male section or peg 4203 and threaded opening 4205. Shank 4202 includes opening 4204.

As shown in FIG. 44, the embodiment includes shank 4301 having female section 4302 which is configured to receive a peg. Button 4303 is rigid and acts as a mirror part of an actuator which may be a screw button. Threaded opening 4304 has internal threads that allow it to act as a nut. Opening 4305 is a hole from which the screw button is inserted into the peg section.

FIG. 45 shows a screw button 4401. Screw button 4401 includes external threading 4402 which may be right-hand threading. Opening 4403 keeps the screw in the ring because it will receive a locking pin.

FIG. 46 shows a jacket 4501 which may be a rigid part which hides the components in the base. Sections 4502 and 4504 match corresponding sections on the shank so as to seat on the ring. Opening 4503 accommodates the peg end. When the peg is engaged with the hole, its end will match with the opening or hole.

FIG. 47 shows shank 4701. Also shown is screw button 4702 which has an opening to receive pin 4703. Pin 4703 prevents the screw from inadvertently being screwed out of the ring. Jacket 4704 acts as a bottom cover.

FIG. 48 shows a first step of assembly where peg section 4803 will be fitted into shank 4801 as shown. It is fitted so that sections 4802 and 4804 come inline as shown. The pin is positioned to allow the head to be removable.

FIG. 49 shows the second step of assembly which includes the fitting of screw button 4901. Threaded opening 4902 acts as a nut and also guides the screw button into its proper position. Peg section 4903 is configured so that end of the screw may be inserted into the hole of the peg.

As shown in FIG. 50, screw button 4911 is inserted into peg section 4913 through the guidance of threaded opening 4912 that acts as a nut. It will also support the screw in its proper position.

FIG. 51 shows the assembled mechanism from the top. Screw button 4922 is shown in an engaged position as is female section 4911. FIG. 52 shows how pin 4931 is inserted after the screw is placed into the assembly. Pin 4931 will prevent the screw button from backing out.

FIG. 53 shows how backing the screw button out allows for the removal of the head. Reversing screw button 4931 removes the engagement and creates a clearance 4932. Typically, this is done by moving the screw button in a counterclockwise direction and backward as shown. Thus, for this embodiment, a clockwise rotation of screw button will result in the engagement of the head and a counterclockwise rotation disengages the head.

Description of Embodiment Five

FIG. 54 shows a schematic diagram of an interchangeable head ring for another embodiment of the present. As shown, the embodiment includes shank 5202, head 5201 having a peg or male section 5203.

FIG. 55 shows shank 5301 which may be a plain shank. Also provided is female section 5302 which receives a corresponding male section. A rigid button 5303 may be provided and may hold a diamond. Opening 5305 provides space for other parts of the embodiment.

FIG. 56 shows the shape of male section 5400 which has a distal end or projection having a C-shape portion 5401 which is configured to further include tab 5402. Tab 5402, as will be explained below, only allows the male and female sections to mate in a specific orientation.

FIG. 57 shows a movable or sliding button that is actuated to secure and release the female section. Included are posts or dogs 5502A and 5502B which secure tensioning springs. Opening 5503 receives the C-shaped section 5401 and opening 5510 receives tab 5402.

FIG. 58 shows a jacket 5701 which is sized to hide the components in the base. Jacket 5701 includes tab 5702 that may be fitted near the rigid button and tab 5704 may be fitted near the movable part of the button. Opening 5703 is sized to receive C-shaped section 5401.

FIGS. 59 and 60 show views of the components of the embodiment including part 5801 having a shank sized to be received by the above described female portion. Springs 5802 and 5810 are provided and designed to work with movable button 5803. FIG. 61 shows how when the springs are compressed; sufficient clearance is created to disengage head 5201 from the base.

Description of Embodiment Six

FIG. 60 is a partially assembled view for the embodiment shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 61 shows a collect that maybe used for another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 62 shows a male section that maybe used for the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 shows how once the prongs pass into the opening, they compress a spring that prevents disengagement for the embodiment shown in FIG. 61.

While the foregoing written description enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The disclosure should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiments, methods, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A jewelry device comprising: a head, a base and at least one actuator; said head including an elongated section; said elongated section including a section having a predefined shape; a base having an opening sized to receive said elongated section including said predefined shape; said at least one actuator having a locking section sized to fit within said predefined shape; said at least one actuator positionable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; in said engaged position, said locking section of said at least one actuator engages said predefined shape and said head cannot be removed from said base; and in said disengaged position, said locking section of said at least one actuator is disengaged from said predefined shape and said head is removable from said base.
 2. The jewelry device of claim 2 wherein said locking section has a shape that is complementary to the shape of said predefined shape.
 3. The jewelry device of claim 3 wherein said predefined shape is a notch.
 4. The jewelry device of claim 3 wherein said predefined shape is in the shape of an I-section.
 5. The jewelry device of claim 2 wherein said locking section has external threads and said predefined shape has internal threads, and in said engaged position said external threads are engaged with said internal threads.
 6. The jewelry device of claim 3 wherein said locking section has a shape that is complementary to the shape of said notch.
 7. The jewelry device of claim 1 wherein said actuator overlaps a portion of said opening when said actuator is in said engaged position.
 8. The jewelry device of claim 1 wherein said actuator is a spring.
 9. The jewelry device of claim 1 further including at least one spring located in said base, said spring engages said actuator and urges said actuator into said engaged position.
 10. The jewelry device of claim 1 further including a plurality of springs located in said base, said springs engage said actuator and urge said actuator into said engaged position.
 11. The jewelry device of claim 1 wherein said elongated section includes a guide, said guide engages a complementary section of said opening to only permit said elongated section to be inserted into said opening in a single orientation.
 12. The jewelry device of claim 4 further including two opposing actuators, each locking section of each actuator is L-shaped.
 13. The jewelry device of claim 4 wherein said actuator is a spring, said spring having two opposing prongs, each of said prong engages said I-section when in said engaged position.
 14. A jewelry device comprising: a head, a base having an upper surface and lower surface and at least one actuator; said head including an elongated section; said elongated section including two extensions defining a predefined shape; a base having an opening sized to receive said predefined shape and said opening defines a channel in said base between said top surface and said lower surface, said channel is complementary in shape to said predefined shape; said head positionable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; in said engaged position, said predefined shape is misaligned with said channel and located against said lower surface and cannot be removed from said base through said channel; and in said disengaged position, said predefined shape is aligned with said channel and is removable from said base through said channel.
 15. The jewelry device of claim 14 wherein said extensions form a T-shape on said elongated section.
 16. The jewelry device of claim 14 further including a spring located in said base, said spring urges said predefined shape against said lower surface when in said engaged position.
 17. The jewelry device of claim 14 wherein said elongated section and said two extensions are rotatable in said base.
 18. The jewelry device of claim 1 wherein said at least one actuator includes a button.
 19. The jewelry device of claim 5 wherein said at least one actuator includes a threaded shaft.
 20. A jewelry kit comprising: a plurality of heads, a plurality of bases having at least one actuator; said heads including an elongated section; said elongated section including a section having a predefined shape; said bases having an opening sized to receive said elongated section including said predefined shape; said at least one actuator having a locking section sized to fit within said predefined shape; said at least one actuator positionable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; in said engaged position, said locking section of said at least one actuator engages said predefined shape and cannot be removed from a base; and in said disengaged position, said locking section of said at least one actuator is disengaged from said predefined shape and is removable from a base. 